Football is a tough, violent sport where injuries are inevitable. Every week, teams face the harsh reality of losing game-changing players, and the ability to prepare for the unexpected is what separates good franchises from great ones.
The Green Bay Packers have invested heavily in Jordan Love, making him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history and cementing his role as the franchise’s future. However, the backup situation remains a concern. Sean Clifford has struggled throughout training camp and preseason, while Michael Pratt, despite showing flashes of potential, is still just a rookie.
Clifford and Pratt struggled against the Denver Broncos last week. Clifford threw an interception over the middle when his options were covered. Pratt took over with 30 seconds left in the first half but failed to generate any momentum for the rest of the game. Green Bay’s quarterbacks averaged just three yards per completion throughout the third quarter.
The Packers need a reliable backup in case Jordan Love goes down, and Ryan Tannehill is a proven veteran who remains unsigned after leaving the Tennessee Titans in the offseason. Every Green Bay fan would hope that if the Packers sign Ryan Tannehill, he would never see the field — unless, of course, they secure a first-round bye with a week or two to spare.
Green Bay likely wouldn’t have to pay Tannehill much, and he would offer veteran leadership to the league’s youngest team while challenging the defense in practice. If he’s willing to sign for the veteran minimum, there’s no reason the Packers shouldn’t call him.
Tannehill spent the first six years of his NFL career facing Bill Belichick’s defense and another five under the defensive-minded Mike Vrabel, providing him with more experience than most free-agent quarterbacks. While Green Bay might not get elite or even great play from him, Tannehill would still give the team a competitive edge if Love gets injured.
Tannehill would also provide a valuable challenge for the defense during practice. Since entering the league in 2012, he has faced a variety of coverage schemes and would push a unit that’s learning under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. The defense would need to be creative to disrupt him, and this rigorous preparation could translate into improved performance on game days.
Bringing Tannehill in would allow the Packers to designate Pratt as the third-string quarterback, enabling them to focus on his long-term development without the immediate pressure of backup duties. In doing so, the Packers would give Pratt the time and space needed to grow into his role while ensuring the team has a reliable veteran backup.
On the other hand, It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers pass on the opportunity to sign Tannehill. Drafting Clifford and Pratt aligns with the organization’s philosophy of developing their players. Green Bay has a history of prioritizing draft-and-develop strategies, so Brian Gutekunst would need to deviate from this approach to bring Tannehill on board.
Final roster cuts are slated to take place by Tuesday. After Green Bay’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, Gutekunst will have nearly 72 hours to consider bringing Tannehill in.
All that said, Packers fans should temper their expectations. It’s still an unlikely scenario — even if it could turn out to be of great importance later in the season.
